Whether you’re happy or sad about it, summer vacation is just about up! I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve recently been consumed with my LAST week of work, finishing up my summer mileage, saying goodbye to friends and packing up for my new apartment :)

On Friday morning I walked into work for the last time as an employee. As my first summer with a job, I can definitely attest to the fact that working full-time > spending all day on Facebook & Youtube.  I was so lucky to have been given the opportunity to “intern” at the corporate office of Windsor Foods and gain some real-world experience. When I emptied out my desk and said my goodbye’s on Friday afternoon, it finally hit me that I will be moving back to school & starting classes/practice again in a matter of days. I cranked Luke Bryan’s new CD Crash My Party (in LOVE with the new song “My Kinda Night”) and cruised home to celebrate a successful summer!

Over the course of 14 weeks at home, I ran almost 800 miles. I worked 380 hours. (Feels like I slept about half of that… ;) ) And while running and working took up the most of my summer, I wouldn’t have it any other way! In February, my parents and I met with surgeons to prepare for the next phase of surgeries. When I learned that the procedures would interfere with cross country training, I decided with my parents to postpone them. I concentrated all of my energy on running so that I could compete and have a shot at making the travel team for my junior year.

After my long run yesterday, I’m positive I made the right decision. Running makes me feel confident, strong. It’s something I’ve decided to work at. I’m not athletic in other areas like throwing/catching/jumping/kicking. Or bowling for that matter….

Chelsea (who you might remember from our Sky Zone trip or Hazelnut Pumpkin cookies) came and visited me last weekend and we had a blast as usual, particularly with our less-than-stellar bowling skills. Actually Chelsea kicked butt in our first round but her lucky streak ran out during the second game. Me on the other hand…my first goal of “breaking 100” was quickly shattered as my ball seemed to be magnetically-attracted to the gutter.

(Has anyone else noticed especially sore…glutes the day after bowling??)

We redeemed ourselves with a super fun (i.e. colorful) dinner on the BBQ & homemade frozen Greek yogurt that was sadly unphotographed but WILL be recreated when we visit again.

I love shish kabobs! I also just love the name “shish kabobs” :)

We chopped up red, yellow, and orange bell peppers; green and yellow zucchini; purple onion; mushrooms; pineapple; and just for a fun twist, brussel sprouts. (Not a huge hit, sadly.) On separate skewers were the chicken kabobs my dad made with a hawaiian seasoning. We had worked up such an appetite at the bowling alley, we all went back for seconds. But with a dinner as healthy as this one, there’s nothing wrong with double the veggies!

We also broke out my ice cream maker to blend up some Greek yogurt with almonds and pretzels and dark-roasted coffee, which I’ll have to snap a picture of next time.

Summer, you’ve been good to us! But I’m excited to start school next week! The nerd in me is ready to fill in my day-planner and highlight my notes. I can’t wait to settle in and share pictures of my new home sweet home. <3